YOUR CHEATING HEART

O C T– D E C 2 0 1 5
A WALK
FOR TWO
SPEED
DATING
YOUR GUIDE TO
COOL PLACES IN
SERANGOON
08
YOUR
CHEATING
HEART
LOVE IN FOUR
MINUTES?
RESEARCH
SHOWS IT’S
POSSIBLE
04
THREE LADIES SEEK
RELATIONSHIP ADVICE
21
WIN! 10 goodie bags from BRAND’S® are up for grabs!
TAKE THE QUIZ ON 03
CONTENTS
OCT–DEC 2015
03
Readers’ Quiz
Stand to win
a BRAND’S®
goodie bag
worth S$99.10!
08
16
06
04
12
16
Heart Truths
What does science tell us about
romance and relationships? This issue,
Duet zooms in on speed dating.
Mass Appeal
We plough through mass media—
books, comics, film, music—and
report on those that offer lessons on
relationships.
The Makeover
Besides providing a pair of singletons
a new wardrobe, Duet’s exclusive
makeover session offers them a chance
to go on a dinner date—with each other!
06
21
IMHO
Dating agency GaiGai’s Assistant
Professor Jean Liu says that there’s
no need to feel kancheong at speed
dating sessions.
Ask the Expert
Folks facing road bumps on the road to
love write in for advice from SDNTrustaccredited dating agencies.
08
14
22
In Your ’Hood
This northeastern pocket is a great
setting to have a day out with pals or a
stroll towards the sunset with your lover.
Meet...
...recently married couple Xin Wan and
Ka Kui, and CruCycle’s Beatrice Ding.
It’s a Date
From this list of interesting things to try,
learn, know, and visit, you can fill your
diary for the next three months.
Cover models Jeremiah See and
Christina Ng, both 27, chat with
Duet about how they got together
(yes, they are a real-life couple):
J: Our dogs brought us together.
C: I’m a dog lover. One day, I was
tutoring Jeremiah’s younger brother,
Joel, when he mentioned something
about a video of a dancing dog.
Turns out the dog was brought
home by his older brother, Jeremiah.
When I expressed interest to watch
the video, Joel said that it was with
Jeremiah. After the tuition session,
I was on my way home when I got a
text that said, “Hi. I’m Jeremiah. Do
you want to watch the video?” I later
learned from Joel that Jeremiah had
asked him for my number, claiming
that he needed to ask me “some
stuff.”
J: Some stuff ? She seduced me, lah!
Cover
On Jeremiah: Blue
shirt from Forever 21;
dark blue pants from
H&M.
On Christina: Biker
jacket, top, silver
necklace from
Forever 21.
This Page
On Jeremiah: Short-
sleeved shirt, grey
slip-ons from Forever
21; maroon pants
from New Look.
On Christina: White
top, houndstoothchecked midi-skirt,
crystal necklace,
black heels from
Forever 21.
P RO LO G U E
Prepping to photograph
the cover models.
Social Development Network
www.sdn.sg
Managers Rosezita Tan, Cynthia Lee
Senior Executive Melvin Lee
Novus Media Solutions Pte Ltd
www.novusasia.com
Duet hits the
‘refresh’ button
THANK YOU FOR PICKING UP
the brand-new Duet!
I announced in the last issue that
the publication was getting a makeover,
and the result is this attractive magazine
that you’re holding in your hands. We’re
pretty confident that you’re going to
enjoy the refreshed look, with new fonts,
colours, and layouts. We’re also rather
proud of our new masthead. Do you see
two people interacting with each other?
That’s what Duet is all about.
So beyond the cosmetic, what’s new?
We’ve done away with the long
cover story and added shorter, punchier
reads that better complement your busy
lifestyles. ‘Heart Truths’ is where we
report the latest discoveries and findings
The makeup artist adding
her magic touch.
02
DUET / O CT– D EC 2015
regarding love and relationships by
experts such as psychologists. In
‘IMHO’, we record the responses of
people on the street on one of these
findings. ‘In Your ’Hood’, as the title
suggests, is area-by-area guide for you
and that special someone to explore—
we’ve kept an eye out for suitable
paktor spots!
We’ve also retained certain
sections that were popular, such as
‘The Makeover’ (the couple will now
be sent on a real date!), and interviews
with a married couple and a singleton.
‘Reel To Real’ is now ‘Mass Appeal’—
we’ve expanded the movie section to
include other mass media, from books
and comics to theatre and TV.
We know Singaporeans love a
good deal, so we’ve continued to
work with vendors to offer you great
discounts in the back page, now called
‘Deals’. And since the last issue, we’ve
gotten popular brands to sponsor
prizes for ‘Readers’ Quiz’. Last issue, it
was The Body Shop. This issue, we’ve
got Brand’s on board.
I really hope that the new Duet
grows to become an indispensable
companion as you journey through life
in the Lion City. And I certainly hope it
leads to you finding a life companion!
Rosezita Tan , Manager
Editorial
Head, Consumer Content Luke Clark
Managing Editor Chua Kim Beng
Lead Writer Sarah Liu
Contributors Andy Sim, Tham Yong Xian,
Brendon Lim, Joel Tan
Art
Art Director Cherlin Chan
Support
Creative Services Manager Kwan Gek Lian
Traffic & Production Manager Pearlyn Kwan
Management
CEO Simon Cholmeley
CFO Marie Lyte
For editorial feedback, contact Novus Media Solutions. For
general enquiries, call SDN’s hotline at 6838 3988. All returned
mail should be directed to Novus Media Solutions Pte Ltd.
For advertising queries, please e-mail Simon Cholmeley at
simonc@novusasia.com.
Duet is published and distributed for SDN by Novus Media
Solutions Pte Ltd at 20 Maxwell Road, #12-01 Maxwell House,
Singapore 069113
Copyright is held by the publishers. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is
prohibited. Printed in Singapore by Times Printers:
www.timesprinters.com.
Special thanks to: Sunday Market , Epigram Books,
J.Artisans Leather Works
Visit www.duetsg.com
for exclusive content,
quizzes & more!
EACH GOODIE BAG CONTAINS:
BRAND’S® ESSENCE OF CHICKEN
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BRAND’S® INNERSHINE RUBY
COLLAGEN 10 STRIPS X 15G (S$36.00)
Readers’ Quiz
Read Duet, take this quiz online, and
stand to win one of 10 goodie bags worth
S$99.10 each, courtesy of BRAND’S®!
1
What’s the name of the protagonist in Adrian
Teo and Ken Foo’s comic book series, Date King?
A) Ah Ong
B) Mervin ‘D8’ King
C) Ah King
2
What will patrons be greeted by at the entrance
of Upper Serangoon Shopping Centre?
A) The smell of stale tobacco
B) A carved wooden signboard
C) Two stone lions
3
Where does Jeremiah See, founder of J.Artisans
Leather Works, currently conduct his workshops?
A) Serangoon Road
B) Lim Tua Tow Road
C) Jalan Riang
4
Duet’s makeover experience involves
participants in a wardrobe change, and a dinner
date with each other. True or False?
A) True
B) False
5
Which actor played Robbie Turner in the 2007
movie, Atonement?
A) Ryan Gosling
B) James McAvoy
C) Ethan Hawke
In addition, every participant will receive a unique
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How to participate in Duet’s quiz:
Head to www.duetsg.com/contest
Closing date: 1 Nov 2015
Submit your answers online
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QUIZ RESULTS (JUL–SEP 2015)
CONGRATULATIONS TO
OUR LUCKY WINNERS—
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S$80.70 FROM THE
BODY SHOP!
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OC T–D EC 2015 / DUET
03
HEART TRUTHS
SPEED
DATING
WORKS!
Making a connection in four minutes
is possible. Learn the techniques here.
By Brendon Lim
BELIEVE US, IT WORKS.
Besides widening your social
circle in a short amount of time,
you aren’t forced to hang out
with people you don’t have
chemistry with for more than a few
minutes. Yet, many people tend
to give speed dating the brush-off
because the very idea of finding
some who clicks with you almost
instantaneously is simply ludicrous.
These folks should take heed of
a study, published in the American
Journal of Sociology, by researchers
at Stanford. While looking into
how meaningful bonds are formed,
Professors Dan McFarland and
Dan Jurafsky wondered why
speed dating works for some but
not for others. This led them to
conduct an experiment on nearly
1,000 speed dating sessions—each
lasting four minutes—from which
they learnt that what we say and
how we say them affects how well
04
DUET / O CT– D EC 2015
we connect with others.
Participants recorded their
dates, and when this material
was transcribed and analysed, it
was clear that women preferred
men who were appreciative and
sympathetic. “That’s awesome,”
“That must be tough on you,”
and other such encouraging
phrases were a big hit. The female
participants also enjoyed having
their sentences finished by the
guys.
Other factors include varying
speech intonations, sharing of
personal anecdotes, and—the most
effective factor yet—making the
ladies the focal point. Engaging the
females in conversation seemed
to resonate well with them. Prof
McFarland attributes this to the
fact that this situation is one where
women are the empowered;
because the women make the
decisions, the sensible move would
be to talk about them to make
sparks fly.
On the other hand, dates with
a lot of prompting and extensive
questioning from either party
tended not to work out. It’s usually
a sign of the lack of chemistry—the
ladies are asking questions to try to
keep the conversation going.
After every speed date,
participants had to fill out a
scorecard, which asked if they
would be willing to go on a real
date with their partner. If both
answered “yes”, a real date was
set up. Couples who spent more
time deciding to go on a real date
reported a bonding experience,
further suggesting that effective
communication can enhance
feelings.
Now that you know what to
say and how to say it, we suggest
signing up for a speed dating event
ASAP!
12
STEPS
to Long-Lasting Relationships
Living by these dozen factors will go a long way to an
enduring and meaningful relationship.
HOW DO COUPLES STAY
together for much longer than a decade?
What’s the secret to their longevity?
Stony Brook University psychologist
K Daniel O’Leary and his research team
set out to answer these questions, and
the results were surprising.
The study was done on couples
who have been together for at least 10
years, and looked into what kept them
married and in love for so long. The
couples were asked behaviour-based
questions so as to reduce bias. The
findings, published on the social and
personality journal Social Psychological
and Personality Science, revealed 12
main factors:
1
2
Thinking positively about your
partner
By constantly thinking about the
things that make your partner
awesome, you won’t be irritated
by the negatives.
Thinking about your partner
when apart
Not every second, of course. But
he/she should at least cross your
mind at some point.
Difficulty concentrating on
other things when thinking
about your partner
It means your partner takes up a
lot of your brain space, which is a
good thing!
4 Enjoying novel and
challenging activities
Taking on challenges with your
spouse can improve your love
for him/her.
5 Spending time together
This strengthens your emotional
bonds with each other.
6 Expressing affection
Let him/her know, in one way or
another, that you love him/her.
7 Being turned on by your
partner
Attraction is as much physical as
it is mental and emotional.
8 Engaging in sexual intercourse
Regular sex builds and maintains
feelings of love.
9 Feeling generally happy
Emotional distress has been
known to cause relationship
issues, so try to stay happy.
10 Wanting to know where your
partner is at all times
This indicates that you’re
constantly thinking about him/
her.
11 Obsessively thinking about
your partner
See 10.
12 Having a strong passion for
life
People who are enthusiastic
about living their lives are known
to carry that zeal into their
relationships.
Questionnaire
Extraordinaire
This survey lets you know
the subject more intimately
by the end of the session!
3
WOULDN’T IT BE NICE TO
find someone you can connect
with? The conventional route often
involves a couple of false starts.
But what if all you had to do to
determine whether the object of
your affection is The One is to
conduct a Q&A?
There is a set of 36 questions
of increasing vulnerability that
have been crafted by psychologist
Professor Arthur Aron, from the
Interpersonal Relationships Lab of
the State University of New York,
that gives you and your potential
Plus One insights into each other.
The test starts casually, with softball
questions such as, “Would you like
to be famous? In what way?” But
they quickly become more intimate:
“When did you last cry in front of
another person? By yourself?”
The point of these questions is to
foster feelings of closeness with the
person you’re doing this test with.
As the opposite party’s replies allow
you to compare attitudes towards
different areas of life, it’s a good
gauge of compatibility.
Your brain is probably telling
you to take this questionnaire with
a pinch of salt, but note that, of the
first batch of people who took the
survey (they were students in Prof
Aron’s psychology course), two
people paired up and got married,
while others reported high ratings in
levels of closeness.
Try it yourself: http://www.
urbanconnections.co.uk/2011/12/36-questionsto-make-him-fall-in-love/
OC T–D EC 2015 / DUE T
05
IMHO
FAST
LOVE
“There’s no need to feel
kancheong when it comes to
speed dating. Heed the advice of
Assistant Professor Jean Liu and
you should make an impression.”
By Andy Sim
AFTER ALL, NOT ONLY IS SHE
an Assistant Professor of Psychology
at Yale-NUS College, but her doctoral
thesis was on why people fall in
love. Furthermore, she has plenty of
experience when it comes to speed
dating, since she is the research
advisor of GaiGai, a new offline dating
agency headquartered here. Gai Gai
“provides modern matching services”
and focuses on “casual settings, great
company, and low prices that make
effective dating affordable to everyone,”
particularly singles. It has strong links
to recognisable names in the lifestyle
and hospitality sectors, so members are
always well pampered.
Naysayers will insist that the short
span of time allowed for interaction at
V
P
O
X
P
WHAT DO YOUNG
ADULTS THINK
OF SPEED DATING?
DUET HITS THE
STREETS TO
FIND OUT!
06
DUET / O CT– D EC 2015
“Everyone should probably try it once. I
believe in carpe diem, and speed dating is a
novel way of making new friends. It might
be uncomfortable, but it wouldn’t be boring,
plus you’d definitely come home with a fun
story or two.” — DANIEL, 27
“Speed dating over blind dates—I prefer to
sample the goods before deciding! Speed
dating also enables me to determine if
I am comfortable with someone before
embarking on solo dates in future.”
— GINA, 26
A SUBSIDIARY OF PAKTOR, GAIGAI
OFFERS MODERN MATCHING
SERVICES THROUGH REASONABLY
PRICED EVENTS AND PERSONALISED
ONE-TO-ONE SERVICES.
VISIT LETSGAIGAI.COM
FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Asst Prof Jean Liu
speed dating events makes it impossible
to judge whether someone is a suitable
life companion, but Asst Prof Liu
disagrees. “It’s an efficient way to meet
potential partners. A large body of
research suggests that people do make
sound judgements about others in mere
minutes, and they are almost as accurate
as those made over hours or days.
Psychologists call this phenomenon ‘thin
slicing’,” she explains.
So why are people still anxious about
attending speed dating events?
“My guess is that many people
have not tried it, or they may feel
apprehensive when meeting new
people,” asserts Asst Prof Liu. She
encourages singles to give it a chance,
since such events are great fun, citing
GaiGai’s well-attended sessions as
examples. “If you’re looking for love,
speed dating allows you to get into the
game more quickly,” she adds.
“Never been to one, but I’m open to it. We
spend most of our time in the office and,
beyond that, we are usually in the company
of friends and family. Speed dating enables
us to meet people in a short space of time
and in sizable numbers.” — JASON, 29
“It’s so laborious, and everything happens
so quickly during these sessions; there isn’t
enough time to establish a connection.
I doubt I will follow up with any of the
participants even if I did go for a speed
dating event.” — ERICA, 24
Do looks matter? “There’s
a stereotype that men look for
beautiful women. It’s hard to deny
that physical attractiveness plays a
role; this is true for women as well,”
reveals Asst Prof Liu. “Decisions
about whether someone is physically
attractive relates in part to how
healthy the person looks, so that’s
reason to sleep well and maintain a
healthy lifestyle.”
As a parting shot, Asst Prof Liu,
who still conducts research on the
psychological and biological basis of
love, provides us with the answer to
the million-dollar question, How do
we leave a good impression? “Show
genuine interest in the person you are
talking to. Look into their eyes during
the conversation and listen actively
to what they’re saying. You have a
few minutes with each participant, so
make your time count,” she advises.
“I have friends who’ve broadened their
social circle in this manner, but I don’t
think it’s for me. However, I might consider
speed dating when I am feeling more
sociable and experimental, or if I am simply
bored.” — YX, 24
OC T–D EC 2015 / DUET
07
I N YO U R ‘ H O O D
SERANGOON
Whether you’re adventurous or a foodie (or an
adventurous foodie), whether you crave nostalgia or wish
to be somewhere serene, Serangoon is an understated part
of the Little Red Dot that has something for everyone.
By Sarah Liu
SERANGOON ISN’T UNHEARD
of, but no one really knows where it is.
In fact, people frequently confuse it
as a district subsumed under Hougang
or Ang Mo Kio, or part of Serangoon
Road in Little India—that only adds to its
mystery and charm.
But let’s get it right: Serangoon is
demarcated by Seletar Hills, Serangoon
North, Serangoon Gardens, and
Serangoon Central. It’s definitely not
defined by Nex, a shopping mall that
seems to dominate discussions about
the district.
If you’re not from this ’hood, Duet
08
DUET / O CT– D EC 2015
has done your legwork for you and
unearthed gems that you and your
friends can enjoy.
For the adventurous
They’re slightly out of the way from
the MRT, but Woodleigh Park and
Serangoon Park Connector are the
places to visit if you’re looking for
trekking routes off the beaten path
that’s Instagrammable. Not only will you
be rewarded with a fulfilling workout,
you’ll also appreciate, in the former,
the beauty of colonial-style houses
sheltered by lush greenery; and, in
the latter, sounds of nature along the
recently revamped Punggol Serangoon
Reservoir. With perseverance, the
romantic waterfront park connector
will lead you and your companions to
a much forgotten part of Singapore:
Serangoon Island, aka Coney Island.
For the foodies
Serangoon is a treasure trove for the
famished and the greedy. From up-andcoming hipster cafés and restaurants on
Jalan Riang and Yio Chu Kang Road to
good ol’ hawker fare in Chomp Chomp
(a landmark in Serangoon Gardens),
Photo Credit: URA
For the ‘zen’
Compared to the CBD, pockets of
Serangoon are so unhurried that it feels
like another world. Tucked in Chuan
Hoe Avenue is the tranquil Japanese
Cemetery Park, which is open to the
public. Calm your mind by taking a
meditative stroll to and around this
sanctuary. If you’re closer to Upper
Serangoon Road, pay a visit to The
Helping Hand, a halfway house for
former drug addicts that sells beautiful
and durable teak furniture; or pay
respects at the Tou Mu Kung temple,
which was gazetted as a national
monument in 2005.
For the nostalgic
While there are relics that tap into
our bygone memories, evoking a real
sense of nostalgia, there are also new
establishments seeking to preserve
tradition. In Serangoon, you get both
worlds. At Upper Serangoon Shopping
Centre, for example, you will be greeted
by two traditional, Chinese-style stone
lions instead of the glitz of Orchard
Road—a reminder of a much simpler
time. On the other hand, with its
vintage façade, Kombi Rocks retains
the Teochew-Thai fare that previous
occupant Koon Kee Restaurant served.
Photo Credit: myVillage
this area is not short of delightful
nosh, catering to different palates and
occasions. For a meaningful dining
experience, though, check out Dignity
Kitchen, located on Serangoon Avenue
3. Staffed by the mentally and physically
challenged, it’s Singapore’s first socialenterprise food court.
A. Serene centre: For
a shot of tranquility,
take a gambol through
the Japanese Cemetery
Park.
B. It takes a village:
Outdoor seating of a
café at myVillage.
C. Musical
memorabilia: Kombi
Rocks is a retro-style
eatery with plenty of
keepsakes related to
pop music.
OC T–D EC 2015 / DUE T
09
A WALK
FOR
TWO
Spend some time trekking with your partner on this
trail and you’ll encounter plenty of moments steeped
in gastronomy, nature, and handicraft.
2
1
POW SING
RESTAURANT
CTE
1
myVILLAGE
Ave 1
You can’t miss this 31-year-old Hainanese
restaurant: it has a bold-red signboard that’s
lit by neon lights. Known for its Nonya and
zichar dishes, Pow Sing may seem ordinary
at first, until you realise that affordable
traditional restaurants have become a rarity
in the area. Makes for a great date!
It’s actually not that morbid! Frequented
by Japanese students on field trips, this
serene cemetery is well known for its diverse
flora and fauna. Need to juice up for the
trek? Make a pit stop at The Coffee Daily
for a cuppa along the way—hand-in-hand,
of course!
WIMBLY LU
CHOCOLATE
Address: 65 Serangoon Garden Way, S(555961)
Website: www.facebook.com/pages/Pow-SingRestaurant/
Address: 825B Chuan Hoe Avenue, S(549853)
Website: www.facebook.com/pages/JapaneseCemetery-Park/
an
JAPANESE CEMETERY PARK
Lo
rC
POW SING RESTAURANT
o Kio
hu
Ang M
3
This Sunday Market, located off
Upper Serangoon Road, houses unique
reinterpretations of Asian dishes such as
the beef rendang lasagne, and roast duck
with garlic hoisin pancakes. Got a sweet
tooth? These folks serve a mean churros
with a twist: these dough fritters are made
of sweet potato, topped with vanilla ice
cream, and a gula melaka cream glaze.
Highly recommended for chilling out with
that special someone.
SUNDAY MARKET
10
DUET / O CT– D EC 2015
Address: 22 Lim Tua Tow Road, S(547772)
Website: www.sundaymarket.sg
5
JEREMIAH SEE, FOUNDER OF
J.ARTISANS LEATHER WORKS,
GIVES DUET THREE REASONS
WHY HE CHOSE TO LOCATE HIS
BUSINESS IN SERANGOON, AND
WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT.
4
SERANGOON
Mo
Kio
Ave
3
J. ARTISANS LEATHER WORKS
ang
Rd
Ang
Yio
C
hu K
Ho u g a
S e ra n g o
on G
JAPANESE
CEMETERY
PARK
a rd
en
ng Av
e2
Leather crafting, anyone? Jeremiah See
helms J.Artisans, and personally conducts
the workshops (Fri–Sun; various times),
where you get to create cardholders, ID tags,
notebooks and wallets. You know what they
say about people who take part in the same
activity—they become closer! So sign up now.
2
Ways
THE COFFEE DAILY
Address: 12 Lim Tua Tow Road, S(547735)
Website: j-artisans.com/workshop/
KOMBI ROCKS DINER
J. ARTISANS
LEATHER
WORKS
U
pp
S
er
er
an
o
go
n
5
SUNDAY
MARKET
Rd
Lo r A
SERANGOON MRT
h So
o
Photo Credit: Wimbly Lu Chocolates
4 3
WIMBLY LU CHOCOLATES
Everyone’s got a weakness. If yours is
chocolate, this café is is going to be your new
hangout. From waffles, molten lava cake, and
marshmallow pie to unusual dishes such as
tofu cake, Wimbly serves them all! So, yes,
you’ll end this walk thinking that you didn’t
burn any calorie at all.
SONG KEE FISHBALL NOODLES
Address: 15-2 Jalan Riang, S(358987)
Website: www.wimblylu.com
1
FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD
My foodie friends and I
enjoy eating—sometimes
too much! Serangoon
never bores us, not when
there’s Sunday Cafe, 717
Trading’s durians, and my
personal favourite, Song
Kee Fishball Noodles!
2
TRADITIONAL &
CREATIVE VIBES
It feels traditional yet
creative, and our craftwork
fits in here perfectly. I could
spend all day chilling with
customers and friends, which
brings me more meaning
than just a workshop session.
3
LEARN SOMETHING NEW
Partly why I started
J.Artisans is because
dinners and movies felt
routine to my fiancée and
me. If you feel the same,
learn something new, such
as leather crafting—it can
really spice things up!
OC T–D EC 2015 / DUET
11
MASS APPEAL
BOOKS
By Joel Tan
The Adventures of
Holden Heng
by Robert Yeo
LOVE ISN’T EASY. AT LEAST
courtship isn’t. Like dancing or
cooking, courtship is in many ways
a skill that you pick up along the
way. But it’s also something that
people have handed down from
generation to generation.
So says Singapore novelist, poet
and playwright Robert Yeo, 75,
whose 1986 novel, The Adventures
of Holden Heng, documents the
pain and pleasure of a young man’s
coming of age as he learns to court
women.
Image courtesy of Epigram Books
What it’s about
Holden Heng is a smart-talking,
intelligent and lonely singleton with
an English degree who’s terrible
with women.
The novel begins with a
thwarted marriage proposal to his
on-again-off-again girlfriend Siew
Fung at MacRitchie Reservoir.
Sadly, Siew Fung thinks it’s a joke
and brushes him off, and they break
up permanently soon after. This
begins Holden’s spiral into serial
3 LESSONS
IN LOVE,
ACCORDING TO
ROBERT YEO
12
1
REJECTION IS GOOD
FOR THE SOUL
“Unrequited love isn’t necessarily
so bad,” insists Yeo. “It makes you
stronger.” There are always lessons
to learn, even from life’s down
cycle. With Holden, Yeo shares,
the thing he gains at the end of his
unsuccessful courting of the three
women in the novel is strength.
“Thanks for the memories. I’m still
here. I’ve still got things to learn,”
says Yeo, summarising the novel’s
takeaway message.
DUET / O CT– D EC 2015
2
LOVER-BOYS MUST
BECOME LOVER-MEN
“The novel is a coming-of-age story,”
explains Yeo, pointing to how Holden
learns more about himself and
women through his misadventures.
Holden learns about the importance
of treating a partner with respect,
of knowing what he wants from a
relationship, and of doing things not
just to please others. His failures
made him more mature, and towards
the end, more appealing to Siew
Fung. Tough luck that it’s too late!
dating, egged on by his wingman
best friend, Ray.
Holden first meets Eurasian
hottie Nanette, who only wants
to get physical with him, and isn’t
dating material. So he moves
quickly on to worldly Kim, a
strong-willed and modern New
Yorker. This, unfortunately, doesn’t
go so well, either, because Holden’s
old-fashioned views of women lead
to Kim dismissing him as a male
chauvinist pig.
Throughout the novel, Holden
vacillates between sexy Nanette,
sophisticated Kim, and girl-nextdoor Siew Fung. Although he
and Kim eventually go steady, it
doesn’t last long. Single again,
Holden learns that Siew Fung has
cloistered herself in a convent. As
he pays her one final visit, Holden
reflects on all he has learnt in the
past months about himself and
that elusive thing called ‘love.’
Get it: The Adventures of Holden Heng
is available at all good bookstores and online
at epigrambooks.sg/
3
WHY SO SERIOUS?
Holden’s problem, Yeo suggests, is
that he takes dating too seriously.
“It’s not life or death; no need for
melodrama!” Yeo chides. “Just
have a good time.” Indeed, when
Holden stops focusing on marriage,
he has a grand time meeting new
people and embracing new ways of
looking at the world. Yeo himself
only settled down at the age of 34
after years of dating. Perhaps he
was putting into action the adage,
“Write what you know.”
COMICS
By Sarah Liu
MOVIES
By Chua Kim Beng
Terrific
Twosomes
Image courtesy of Epigram Books
Here are Duet’s five favourite
on-screen couples picked
from the most romantic
movies released between
2001 and 2010.
Date King 1: Singapore Dating
by Adrian Teo and Ken Foo
THIS COLLABORATION BY
author Adrian Teo and illustrator
Ken Foo unveils the mysteries
of the paktor scene on the Little
Red Dot through the eyes of the
protagonist, Ah King, a too-normal
Singaporean guy desperate for
love.
Armed with only an average
personality, short limbs, and a
clueless, straight-talking attitude,
Ah King recounts every date
he’s ever experienced. You’ll hear
about the hits and misses at speed
dating sessions. You’ll also hear his
strategies in approaching the many
types of girls he’s gone out with,
such as the Tomboy Girl who will
“kick your ass in billiards” and the
Banker Girl who “may require dates
to be held in… cool bars playing
soft French music.”
While the comic is obviously
tongue-in-cheek, it also offers a
serious lesson for both the guys
and the gals. By identifying the
archetypes of Singaporean men,
Ah King dishes out warnings for the
ladies against no-go men such as
The Dragon Boater, the alpha jock
on campus, and The Mommy’s
Boy, whom ladies should avoid at
all costs, or risk competing against
The Mother!
Perhaps the moral of the story
is that you need to know which
‘types’ suit you before plunging
into a potentially disastrous
relationship.
Get it: Date King 1 & 2 are available at all
good bookstores and online at epigrambooks.sg/
JESSE (ETHAN HAWKE)
& CELINE (JULIE
DELPY) IN BEFORE
SUNSET (2004)
So much rapport
between the
two leads! Two
people get to
know each other
all over again after
meeting by chance a
decade after their first
meet cute.
(RYAN GOSLING) NOAH CALHOUN
& (RACHEL MCADAMS) ALLIE
CALHOUN IN THE NOTEBOOK (2004)
Talk about grand gestures. He restores
an entire house for her! With his own
hands!
ROBBIE TURNER (JAMES MCAVOY) &
CECILIA TALLIS (KEIRA KNIGHTLEY)
IN ATONEMENT (2007)
He still pines for her even amid the
ravages of World War II, even after being
accused of committing something awful
by her younger sister.
TOM (JOSEPH GORDON-LEVITT)
& SUMMER (ZOOEY DESCHANEL)
IN (500) DAYS OF
SUMMER (2009)
They are both
not afraid to be
themselves,
leading to lots
of ups and
downs, but the
chemistry is
undeniable.
DR PAUL FLANNER
(RICHARD GERE) &
ADRIENNE WILLIS (DIANE LANE) IN
NIGHTS IN RODANTHE (2008)
It’s not all about sweet young things—
this movie is proof that more mature
folks can find true love, too!
OC T–D EC 2015 / DUET
13
M E E T. . .
Ma Ka Kui &
Lim Xin Wan
There’s something to be said for being patient and persistent,
ladies—it could land you a life partner! Still, married life for
Xin Wan and her hubby, Ka Kui, is a work in progress.
By Chua Kim Beng
least try so that I can face myself in the
mirror.”
“I got wooed by my wife,” Ka Kui
is quick to add. “One day, she told me
that she liked me. I was so shocked
that I turned her down.” Still, Xin Wan
continued to show concern for him. He
was particularly touched when she sent
him text messages after a rare tremor
occurred near her home.
WHEN LIM XIN WAN, 25, AND
Ma Ka Kui, 27, first laid eyes on each
other, they were undergrads in NTU
attending an orientation camp.
Coincidentally, they were secret
partners for the event—perhaps a sign
that they were meant to be together!
First impressions
However, their first impressions of each
other were rather lopsided.
Ka Kui was a little put off by Xin
Wan’s large hands. Her then spotty
face did not help, either. On the other
hand, Xin Wan quickly developed a
crush on Ka Kui. “It actually started out
as an infatuation,” she admits. “I admire
people who can speak both English
and Mandarin fluently.” She adds that
she was also attracted to his selfconfidence.
Because everyone was assigned two
secret partners, things took a disastrous
turn when Ka Kui opted to spend time
with the other person. Good thing that
didn’t lead anywhere, and that Xin Wan
didn’t give up on him: “I didn’t want
to have regrets. I thought I should at
14
DUET / O CT– D EC 2015
“I didn’t want to
have regrets. I
thought I should at
least try so that I
can face myself.”
Barriers to marriage
Ka Kui and Xin Wan were soon
engaged. “Her persistence touched me.
Despite knowing each other for only
two months, we bought rings at Couple
Lab and engraved them with our names
and the date we got together,” Ka Kui
recalls.
The couple has since gotten
married—on National Day this year, in
fact!
But Xin Wan admits that there were
some obstacles to wedded bliss, not
least of which was a language barrier.
“I am ‘deaf’ and ‘mute’ whenever I visit
his folks because I can’t engage in
conversation with his parents, who speak
only Cantonese,” she explains. “I felt like
such an outsider each time I went there
for dinner.” But she was reassured when
Ka Kui promised that they would have
their own place.
Work in progress
The newlyweds are still getting used
to living with each other, as “we were
brought up differently,” reveals Xin Wan.
In her family, everyone washed his or her
own plates after a meal, but in his home,
his mother did all the washing up. She is
also irritated by his habit of ringing the
doorbell even though he has a set of
keys, and the way he’d let his alarm clock
go on and on.
“The good thing is that we always
talk things out. I can complain about
his bad habits,” she says. “Of course, I
have bad habits, too, and he’s frank with
me about them.” Adds Ka Kui, “We
overcome problems by respecting each
other. We give space to each other to
do things our own way sometimes; at
other times we compromise and give in
to the other person.”
And they really are pretty open
to each other. “Sexual fetishes, bank
savings, investment plans—we can tell
each other anything!” admits Xin Wan.
Word of advice
Ka Kui advises singletons out there
to be honest: “Don’t pretend to be
someone else.” Xin Wan, whose parents
often quarrel, knew that getting married
wasn’t all rainbows and unicorns. “We
bickered before marriage, so why would
I think that we wouldn’t after? However,
we are a happy couple most of the time
because we always talk things out.”
THEIR RELATIONSHIP
HISTORY IN A NUTSHELL
Jul 2009
FIRST MEETING: At an orientation
camp organised by Nanyang
Technological University’s School
of Physical and Mathematical
Sciences.
Aug 2009
FIRST DATE: at Pizza Hut in
Marina Square.
Sep 2009
ENGAGEMENT: with rings bought
at Couple Lab.
Aug 2015
WEDDING: National Day
M E E T. . .
BEATRICE DING
This fitness extraordinaire and co-owner of spinning
studio CruCycle tells Duet her views on fitness, love,
and what makes a relationship work.
By Tham Yong Xian
How do you keep fit when you aren’t busy running
CruCycle?
Apart from running the business, I’m actually an instructor
at CruCycle as well. I used to teach every day, and each
class was tailored to include core, arms and even yoga,
so it’s a full body workout! I also love doing hot yoga and
outdoor activities such as hiking, but because I’ve been so
busy with CruCycle, I haven’t had time to do much else,
sadly.
What qualities attract you in a partner?
Intellect and open-mindedness are very important to
me. And I don’t mean someone who is book-smart—I’d
like a partner I can bounce ideas off and give me a fresh
perspective on things. It’d be great if he were adventurous,
too, since I’m quite outdoorsy and love to be out and
about. Most importantly, though, he’s got to have a good
sense of humour. I’d never be able to date a boring guy. I
like to laugh a lot!
What do you think makes a relationship successful?
You know, a lot of people try to look for partners similar
to themselves because they think they’ll click better. But
I personally think that opposites attract, and opposites
work. Of course, your personalities can’t clash, but it’s all
about the complementary yin and yang. For example, I’m a
very active person, and my schedule is constantly packed
with one thing after another—I always have to be doing
something! On the other hand, the guys I usually date are
more laidback, which is great because it helps balance me
out, and reminds me to take a breather once in a while.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself travelling a lot, opening CruCycle outlets
around Asia, or maybe in New York or Los Angeles.
Relationship-wise, I would like to be in a serious, long-term
relationship with someone who knows me inside-out, and is
supportive of my career goals and dreams.
CruCycle
WAS OPENED IN
SEPTEMBER
2014
FIRST
TIMERS
CAN GET A
DISCOUNTED
2-CLASS PACK
FOR ONLY $50
MEET
BANDIT
THE HUSKY,
CruCycle’s MASCOT,
WHEN YOU GO
FOR A CLASS!
*Located at 68 Duxton Road, CruCycle is open seven days a week.
Book a bike with CruCycle at www.crucycle.com
OC T–D EC 2015 / DUE T
15
THE MAKEOVER
KEEP IT
CASUAL
Duet’s makeover provides a pair of sartorially challenged
singletons with quite an experience: besides getting to dress
up in a style they had never considered, they get to go on a
date—with each other! Our wardrobe this issue: casual wear.
Written by Sarah Liu
Art Direction by Cherlin Chan
Styling, Makeup/Hair, Photography by
APixels Photography Pte Ltd
#1 WEAR IT YOUR WAY
There are no rules with casual wear, only attitude. For
Barry, that’s imbued in the blazer-jeans getup paired with
plimsolls; for Chen Yee, it’s present in her 1960s-inspired
print shirt and funky neon sneakers.
On Barry: Blue blazer
and T-shirt from
Zalora; denim jeans
from New Look;
camouflage shoes
from Forever 21.
On Chen Yee:
Printed shirt from
H&M; denim shorts
from Zalora; crystal
necklaces and bangles
from Forever 21; shoes
are stylist’s own.
Barry Ho, 35,
Estate Manager
I enjoy swimming, reading, and going
to the gym. On weekends, I chill out at
nice bistros that serve a wide selection
of food. Sometimes I go for events
organised by SDN’s accredited dating
agencies; I like those that provide
post-event feedback.
I think people see me as friendly,
generous, and outgoing. I’m not
seeing anyone at the moment. I look
for ladies who are genuine, caring, and
family-oriented. We need not have the
same hobbies, but we can try to learn
from each other. I hope to get married
in the near future. I think marriage is
important. I’m Asian and it’s in our
culture to settle down.
Lee Chen Yee, 31,
Brand Manager
I market toys for a living. I am junkie
for Korean and American dramas.
I also try to go to the gym, lah.
Travelling is second nature.
I’m not attached. Maybe I’ve
developed certain routines in life, so I
prefer meeting people my friends have
recommended—because my friends
would have done all the filtering!
I’m still figuring out what I’m
looking for in a relationship, but
commitment is very important. If
you’re going to be with someone for
the rest of your life, you need to stay
committed to the person—that’s love!
I think I’ll eventually get hitched—I just
don’t know when!
O C T–D EC 2015 / DUET
17
#2 DENIM DAYS
Throw on a denim or chambray shirt over
your T-shirt or blouse to jazz up your outfit
in the way that only denim can.
On Barry: Blue shirt,
red-&-white striped
T-shirt, navy blue
printed Bermudas
from Zalora; grey
slip-ons from Forever
21.
On Chen Yee: Denim
18
DUET / O CT– D EC 2015
top, tie-dyed blouse,
crochet shorts, blue
necklace, blue flat
slip-ons from Forever
21; bangles from
New Look; bag from
Desigual.
#3 SMART CASUAL
Smart casual is ‘informal’ made cleaner and neater.
Going monochrome is one way to do it. Another is to
switch out the too-casual shorts into Sunday capris,
drawing attention to the torso.
Blue doublebreasted blazer
from Zalora
White top and inner
black skip dress from
Forever 21
Silver Bangles from
Forever 21
White
T-shirt from
Zalora
Black suede shoes
from Forever 21
Khaki pants from
New Look
Clutch
bag from
Forever 21
Camouflage shoes
from Forever 21
BEFORE THE MAKEOVER...
OC T–D EC 2015 / DUET
19
Barry and Chen Yee go on a date
HE SAYS
SHE SAYS
How was the makeover
experience?
I’d do it again if I could, and I’d dress
in the styles that they suggested,
depending on the occasion.
How was the makeover
experience?
It was fun! It was quite an experience
to experiment with a different
wardrobe. It’s pretty achievable to
sport this style on a daily basis, and I
may dress in their suggested outfits
in the future!
What’s your first impression of
her?
Elegant and demure.
Did your impression of her
change after the makeover?
Yes, she looked groovier.
What’s one criterion you look
for in a date, and did she fulfil
it?
Chemistry with the other party. She
did, somewhat.
Name one surprising thing you
learned about her.
Her wanderlust. She has visited
many countries.
What’s one thing you found
attractive about her?
She looked stunning in a black
outfit!
How date-friendly was the
restaurant?
The food was tasty, and the
ambience was classy and conducive
for conversation. I’ll definitely return
with friends and family.
Would you go on a second date
with her? Why or why not?
Yes, I’d go on a second date with
Chen Yee. We have some common
interests, and I’d like to get to know
her better.
Date Rate:
20
DUET / O CT– D EC 2015
What’s your first impression of
him?
Stern.
Did your impression change
after the makeover?
He became less stern!
What’s one criterion you look
for, and did your date fulfil it?
I need to be able to feel a sense of
chemistry within the first few dates.
But, sorry, I couldn’t quite feel it with
Barry.
Name one surprising thing you
learned about him.
His interest in fashion.
Violet Herbs Modern
European Restaurant
Barry and Chen Yee enjoyed a fourcourse set dinner, courtesy of this
restaurant.
What makes Violet Herbs feel
spacious is the skylight above the ground
floor, and the expansive windows on the
first floor, both allowing natural light
to infuse the interior. A purple colour
scheme dominates the lower level, while
the upper level is dressed in beige. Both
can take up to 28 diners, while the upper
level boasts a private room that can seat
14 guests.
Helming the kitchen is 34-year-old
Edward Hoe. With almost 20 years’
experience, he has honed his skill in
places such as Restaurant Ember,
Keystone Restaurant, and the American
Club. Violet Herbs is his first venture as
Chef-Owner.
“My aim is to impress all guests with
the winning combination of exquisitely
and expertly prepared plates, and
competitive prices, which will encourage
guests to return regularly to savour more
menu offerings,” he shares.
Address: 81 Tras Street, S(079020)
Reservation Hotline: 6221 3988
Website: www.violetherbs.com.sg
What’s one thing you found
attractive about him?
His height.
How date-friendly was the
restaurant?
The food was amazing and valuefor-money. It’s also a pleasant and
welcoming place for dates.
Would you go on a second date
with him? Why or why not?
No. He’s not quite my cup of tea.
Date Rate:
SIGN UP
NOW!
If you’re single and interested in Duet’s
unique makeover and dating experience,
e-mail your recent photograph and contact
details to msf_sdn@msf.gov.sg with the
subject ‘Duet Makeover’.
ASK THE EXPERT
LOVE EXPRESS SERVICES WAS
ESTABLISHED IN 2007 TO PROVIDE
VALUE-FOR-MONEY SOCIAL
ACTIVITIES FOR SINGLES. WITH
MORE THAN 100 EVENTS A YEAR,
ITS POPULARITY IS GROWING
AMONG PEOPLE FROM A WIDE
RANGE OF PROFESSIONAL AND
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUNDS.
Your Cheating Heart
Is trouble brewing in paradise?
Write in to Duet and we’ll
consult relationship experts
from SDNTrust-accredited
agencies on your behalf.
In this issue, Love Express
Services offers tips on what
you should do if you suspect
your fiancée of cheating on
you, or your partner becomes
increasingly possessive.
Advice by Love Express Services
Q1: When I borrowed my fiancée’s
laptop last week, I saw that he was
writing a message to another girl to
organise a weekend getaway. I suspect
that they’re in a relationship because
this is not the first time that they are
going away together. My fiancée never
expresses unhappiness, but I’m worried
that he might be changing his mind
about the wedding, which is happening
next month. Should I confront him or
pretend that I didn’t see the message?
A1: Marriage is built on honesty,
openness and trust. This incident is
obviously affecting the trust you have
in your future partner, so you should
confront him, but avoid being overly
hostile or emotional. It’s better to do it
now than after the wedding, when the
situation becomes more complicated.
Evaluate your readiness for marriage
using these three key pillars: maturity,
motivation, and a shared destiny. You’ve
got to prepare yourself for marriage,
as it involves sharing many aspects of
life: emotion, sex, finance, religion, etc.
You’ve also got to think about whether
you’re marrying your fiancée for the
wrong reasons, such as rebellion, escape,
loneliness, social pressure, guilt or pity.
My advice? Talk it through with him
before your wedding!
Q2: My boyfriend of eight months
is getting more and more possessive.
He only ever wants us to spend time
alone, and never wants to go out with a
group of friends. I’ve told him that I’m
not happy, and that we should break
up. But he said that I can’t just end the
relationship because, a year ago, he
found out that he’s terminally ill and has
only a few weeks left to live. Because
he shows no sign of illness, I think he’s
making this up to guilt-trip me from
leaving him. What should I do?
Q3: I’m a student in Singapore, while
my boyfriend is studying abroad. He’s
been making many new female friends,
so I’ve been feeling very insecure since I
don’t know who these people are. When
I express this to my boyfriend, he and I
end up fighting for days. He will be back
for good in a year, but I’m wondering if
I should end things now, as I’m tired out
from our fights.
Log on to: www.duetsg.com for answers to Q2
and Q3!
Worried about your relationship? Confused
by mixed signals? Not sure how to woo your
dream guy or girl? E-mail your questions to
msf_sdn@msf.gov.sg
OC T–D EC 2015 / DUET
21
I T ’ S A DAT E
October 2015
Image courtesy of The Royal Mail Restaurant & Bar
16 October, Friday
17 October, Saturday
EXCURSION TO KLUANG
& MOUNT LAMBAK
THE ROYAL
MAIL
Part of the Special Occasions Dinner series, this
gastronomic event, held in a restaurant renowned
for its good service, will satisfy the epicure in you.
17 October, Saturday
Location: Ascott Raffles Place
Time: 7:30pm–10:45pm
Host: CompleteMe
Closing Date: 15 October
Group Size: 24
Price: $58 (includes a 3-course dinner)
On this day trip, we’ll provide
opportunities for you to sightsee,
shop and eat like a local. There’s also
a hike halfway up Mount Lambak.
Location: Johor, Malaysia
Time: 7:30am–10pm
Host: One Plus One
Closing Date: 12 October
Group Size: 30
Price: $48 (includes transport and lunch)
18 October, Sunday
KAYAK ADVENTURE
Take to the water with other eligible
singles and feel the sun on your skin
and hear the waves lapping against
your kayak.
Location: Central area, to be advised
Time: 3pm–6pm
Host: Lunch Actually
Closing Date: 16 October
Group Size: 20
Price: $75 (includes 1 certified instructor
for every 10 pax, kayaking equipment,
and 1 bottled drink)
HIP HOP
GROOVES
For 10 weeks, acquire the hip hop moves you admire
so much on this course. Get fit while making friends
with other dance-obsessed people. Dress code:
casual wear and street shoes; no sandals or slippers.
21 October, Wednesday
Location: Actfa School of Dance
Time: 4:15pm–5:15pm
Host: A Dance Date
Closing Date: 14 October
Group Size: 40
Price: $65 (includes light refreshments
and one drink)
24 October, Saturday
SPEED DATING TEA
Image courtesy of Vineyard
Spend an afternoon in a cosy
café and get to know every single
participant through a 1-to-1 rotation.
SUNSET
DINING @
VINEYARD
22
Specially for singles between 30 and 42, this dinner
takes place in Vineyard, a restaurant, nestled within
the verdant HortPark.
DUET / O CT– D EC 2015
Location: Vineyard
Time: 7:30pm–10pm
Host: GaiGai
Closing Date: 18 October
Group Size: 24
Price: $59 (includes a 3-course dinner)
Location: Hotel @ Orchard
Time: 2:30pm–5:30pm
Host: CompleteMe
Closing Date: 23 October
Group Size: 24
Price: $38 (includes a beverage and
light snacks)
October
November
December
24 October, Saturday
25 October, Sunday
ESCAPE GAME SERIES
Escape game involves a team of
people interacting to solve a mystery.
Cool down over refreshments to get
to know your new friends better.
Location: Prinsep Street / Bugis
Time: 2:30pm–6pm
Host: Love Express
Closing Date: 21 October
Group Size: 24
Price: $49 (includes juice/coffee/tea)
25 October, Sunday
PASSION
PEDALLERS
Come along for a leisurely 15km bike ride from Bukit
Merah to the Marina Barrage and back. Along the
way, there’ll be games, opportunities for making new
friends, and a pit stop at a food centre. Have a light
breakfast first, and bring along a one-litre bottle of
water. Dress code: casual wear or fitness attire.
Location: Actfa School of Dance
Time: 7:30am–12:30pm
Host: A Dance Date
Closing Date: 21 October
Group Size: 20
Price: $48 (includes bicycle rental)
Make the most of the eight minutes you have with
each member of the opposite sex at this speed
dating dinner. Don’t miss this fun and exciting way
to share a meal.
Location: Orchard Central
Time: 7pm–9:30pm
Host: Singles Mingle
Closing Date: 27 October
Group Size: 28
Price: $46 (includes 3-course dinner
and free flow drinks)
30 October, Friday
COFFEE APPRECIATION
Get hands-on experience in coffee
making and enjoy that aromatic cup
of joe even more, especially in the
presence of other caffeine fiends.
Location: Central
Time: 2pm–5pm
Host: Champagne SG
Closing Date: 23 October
Group Size: 20
Price: $48 (M) / $58 (NM) (includes
light snacks)
31 October, Saturday
IT’S NICE
MEETING
YOU DINNER
@ HAPPY
PANCAKES
CAFÉ
31 October, Saturday
PONG PONG LOVE
Have a striking good time at this fun
bowling session. Who knows, more
than bowling pins could be falling
for you!
Location: City Area
Time: 2pm–5pm
Host: Champagne SG
Closing Date: 27 October
Group Size: 20
Price: $43 (M) / $53 (NM) (includes
drinks, snacks, and shoe rental)
SHERLOCK
HOLMES IN
ACTION
Do you like solving mysteries? Join forces with
newfound friends to find an escape route out of this
creative concept room.
Location: TBA
Time: 3pm–5:30pm
Host: Dating Moments
Closing Date: 27 October
Group Size: 24
Price: $50 (M) / $55 (NM)
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November 2015
7 November, Saturday
8 November, Sunday
NATURE EXPLORERS
DAY TOUR
TO MOUNT
OPHIR WATERFALLS
& JOHOR
BAHRU
Besides the spectacular Mount Ophir Waterfalls,
you’ll also get to see the inner workings of a brown
rice factory. End the trip with a relaxing massage
and a sumptuous dinner (on your own dime).
10 November, Tuesday
Location: Johore, Malaysia
Time: 7:30am–9:30pm
Host: One Plus One
Closing Date: 2 November
Group Size: 30
Price: $48 (includes transport, lunch,
and entrance fees)
Explore various walking trails on the
greener sides of Singapore. Have a
light breakfast first, and bring along a
one-litre bottle of water. Dress code:
casual wear or fitness attire.
Location: TBC
Time: 7:30am–10:30am
Host: A Dance Date
Closing Date: 4 November
Group Size: 40
Price: $38
11 November, Wednesday
DEEPAVALI SPECIAL:
ISLAND LIFE @
SISTERS’ ISLAND
Spend the latter half of this public
holiday picnicking on the idyllic
Sisters’ Island. Do bring enough food
to share.
SINGLES DAY
MEGA PARTY
Location: Sisters’ Island
Time: 2pm–7pm
Host: One Plus One
Closing Date: 4 November
Group Size: 30
Price: $26 (includes boat ride)
12 November, Thursday
Following the success of our inaugural Singles
Day Mega Party last year, the second one has
been planned for this year, and we’re prepared to
welcome up to 1,000 singletons!
Location: F Club, Clarke Quay
Time: 8pm–10pm
Host: Lunch Actually
Closing Date: 10 November
Group Size: 1,000
Price: Early bird special at $35
(includes 1 drink (house pours, beer,
juices or soft drinks))
14 November, Saturday
CONSOLE WARS
Unleash your inner geek and—who
knows?—you could end up with your
own Super Mario or Princess Peach!
Location: St Games Café, The Cathay
Time: 7:30pm–10pm
Host: GaiGai
Closing Date: 9 November
Group Size: 24
Price: $49 (includes dinner and a 2.5hour console gaming session)
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DUET / O CT– D EC 2015
DATING FOR
A GOOD
CAUSE
With the help of a visually impaired guide, you will
exploit all your senses throughout this unique tour
and lunch, both of which will be done in complete
darkness! What’s more, a worthy cause benefits.
Location: TBA
Time: 11:30am–2pm
Host: Dating Moments
Closing Date: 10 November
Group Size: 30
Price: $50 (M) / $55 (NM)
October
November
December
15 November, Sunday
19 November, Thursday
FELINE FUN
ICY
DELIGHTS!
Learn to make ice cream without the use of special
equipment, then take home your cool creation.
Salted egg yolk flavour, anyone?
21 November, Saturday
Location: Beach Rd
Time: 2pm–4pm
Host: Champagne SG
Closing Date: 12 November
Group Size: 16
Price: $72 (M) / $82 (NM) (includes
workshop ingredients (2 flavours),
materials and free flow of ice cream)
If you’re a cat person, turn up at this
event to belly-rub furry creatures
over sumptuous café fare. The bonus
is meeting other cat lovers!
Location: The Cat Café, Victoria Street
Time: 7:30pm–10pm
Host: GaiGai
Closing Date: 16 November
Group Size: 24
Price: $49 (includes main course,
beverage, and play time with the cats)
21 November, Saturday
URBAN DATING DINNER
Mingle with like-minded people
over a delicious meal in a restaurant
boasting a lovely ambience.
Location: City Hall
Time: 6:30pm–9:30pm
Host: Love Express
Closing Date: 18 November
Group Size: 24
Price: $49 (includes Western set dinner)
AFTERNOON
NETWORKING @ EAST
MANHATTAN BAKERY
CAFÉ
We bet the amazing aroma emanating from this
bakery is going to make this networking session a
smashing success. Join us!
28 November, Saturday
Location: 19 Lorong Kilat #01-03
Time: 3pm–5pm
Host: Singles Mingle
Closing Date: 18 November
Group Size: 24
Price: $36 (includes free flow of coffee
/ tea, breads and cakes)
28 November, Saturday
CHRISTIAN
MINGLING PARTY
Specially organised for Christian
singles, this networking party will be
held in a chic downtown hotel.
“YOUR IMPRESSION
OF ME” MINI
TEA BUFFET
On this 1-to-1 rotation, write down one thing that
impresses you most about a person of the opposite
sex, and one area that needs improvement.
Anonymous comments will be sent to you, so that
you know what kind of impression you make.
Location: Hotel @ Tanjong Pagar
Time: 2pm–5:30pm
Host: CompleteMe
Closing Date: 27 November
Group Size: 24
Price: $52
Location: Orchard
Time: 7pm–9pm
Host: Lunch Actually
Closing Date: 27 November
Group Size: 40
Price: $35 (includes 1 drink (house
pours, beer, juices or soft drinks))
OC T–D EC 2015 / DUET
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December 2015
3 December, Thursday
4 December, Friday
GROUP DATING @
CRYSTAL CAFÉ
Don’t be shy! Join us for buffet
spread in a relaxed atmosphere
and make new friends in a cosy
environment.
TGIF! DATE
& DRINKS
It’s the end of the workweek, so chill out in a lounge
that offers a 360˚ view of the city skyline.
Location: City Area
Time: 8pm–10pm
Host: Champagne SG
Closing Date: 2 December
Group Size: 26
Price: $38 (M) / $48 (NM) (includes
one drink (alcoholic/non-alcoholic)
and finger food)
Specially for ladies 35 and below, and guys 42 and
below, this trip to southeastern Johore includes
visits to an ostrich farm and a coastal fort.
Location: Johore, Malaysia
Time: 7:30am–9:30pm
Host: One Plus One
Closing Date: 1 December
Group Size: 30
Price: $56 (includes transport and
seafood lunch)
Location: 131 Killiney Road
Time: 7pm–9:30pm
Host: Singles Mingle
Closing Date: 30 November
Group Size: 40
Price: $36
5 December, Saturday
6 December, Sunday
CHRISTMAS TERRARIUM
WORKSHOP
Jazz up your work or room table with
your own garden-in-a-glass jar! Let us
help you unleash your creativity.
Location: Upper Aljunied Lane
Time: 3pm–5pm
Host: GaiGai
Closing Date: 2 December
Group Size: 24
Price: $49 (includes refreshments,
terrarium materials, and tools)
9 December, Wednesday
DAY TRIP TO
PENGERANG
12 December, Saturday
YEAR-END PARTY
You’ve slogged hard through 2015,
so you deserve to close it out with a
grand party in a sophisticated lounge
located in the heart of Orchard Road.
Location: Orchard
Time: 7pm–9pm
Host: Lunch Actually
Closing Date: 8 December
Group Size: 50
Price: $35 (includes 1 drink (house pours,
beer, juices or soft drinks))
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DUET / O CT– D EC 2015
MIX &
MINGLE
LUNCH
PARTY
Mingle and connect with new friends over a
sumptuous buffet spread. Includes a 1–to-1 rotation.
Location: TBA
Time: 10:30am–1pm
Host: Dating Moments
Closing Date: 8 December
Group Size: 40
Price: $50 (M) / $55 (NM)
October
November
December
12 December, Saturday
17 December, Thursday
LADIES’ SUPPORT GROUP
CHRISTMAS
SPECIAL!
AMAZING
NITE RACE @
GARDENS BY
THE BAY
Take part in an Amazing Race-style adventure as
part of a team comprising a mix of genders on the
grounds of this amazing park. Cool prizes await
the winners.
Location: Gardens by the Bay
Time: 7pm–10pm
Host: Love Express
Closing Date: 9 December
Group Size: 24
Price: $49 (includes one drink and
snacks)
19 December, Saturday
Ladies, if you’re under 35 years old,
we welcome you to join us to help
you expand your social circle, learn
dating tips, and gain insights from
hearing each other’s experiences.
Location: The Central, Clarke Quay
Time: 7:30om–10:30pm
Host: CompleteMe
Closing Date: 16 December
Group Size: 15
Price: $20
26 December, Saturday
SINGAPORE ROMANCE
CUM MAKAN ON WHEELS
Gallivant around town in an
automobile to look for best bites
and romantic spots. Limited to eight
vehicles only.
PREP &
DINE: THE
HEALTHY
OPTION
Join seven other singletons for a fun time preparing
a healthy yet delicious meal in under 20 minutes.
They say that the way to a man’s (or woman’s) heart
is through the stomach, so something more could
develop from this! Dress code: smart casual.
Location: Actfa School of Dance
Time: 11am–2pm
Host: A Dance Date
Closing Date: 15 December
Group Size: 8
Price: $58 (includes food & drinks)
Location: Around Singapore
Time: 10am–4pm
Host: Singles Mingle
Closing Date: 23 December
Group Size: 30
Price: $45 (car owners get $10 off
registration fee; includes snacks and
drinks)
31 December, Thursday
NEW YEAR EVE
SPECIAL! SLOW
DATING DINNER
@ MARINA BAY
Enjoy a sumptuous Japanese dinner, mingle with like-minded
and interesting new friends, and have a jolly good time.
Location: The Sail @ Marina Boulevard
Time: 6pm–9pm
Host: Love Express
Closing Date: 23 December
Group Size: 24
Price: $49 (includes a Japanese dinner)
OC T–D EC 2015 / DUET
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ACCREDITED AGENCIES
The SDNTrust accreditation framework for the dating industry was introduced to
ensure high standards of professionalism and excellence for singles. The private
dating agencies on this page have all been awarded this trustmark.
ONLINE DATING SERVICE
ONE-TO-ONE MATCHING SERVICE
A DANCE DATE
A Dance Date aims to bring together
people who feel the spirit of dance—from
their fingertips to their toes—and who
wish to share it.
www.adancedate.com
8157 7733
CHAMPAGNE SG
Champagne SG offers a full suite of dating
services, from events to personalised
matching services, guaranteeing an
exclusive experience.
www.champagnesg.com
6838 0298
COMPLETEME
CompleteMe organises indoor and outdoor
events, specialising in one-to-one speed
dating, which increases the chances of you
finding a mutual match.
www.completeme.com.sg
8125 2321
DATING MOMENTS
Dating Moments specialises in one-toone matching services, creating unique
opportunities for singles to meet through
activities, both exhilarating and relaxing.
www.datingmoments.com
6748 2833
eSYNCHRONY
eSynchrony offers online and offline
dating based on 16 areas of compatibility.
A dating consultant will arrange real dates
with people you’re matched with online.
www.eSynchrony.com
GAIGAI
Casual settings, quality dates, and
reasonable prices—this is GaiGai’s
philosophy to make effective offline dating
affordable for singles.
www.letsgaigai.com
6222 9670
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DUET / O CT– D EC 2015
DATING EVENTS
LOVE EXPRESS
Those looking for fun lifestyle events need
look no further than Love Express.
www.loveexpress.com.sg
6823 1232
LUNCH ACTUALLY
Asia’s first and largest lunch dating
company since 2004, Lunch Actually’s
expertise lies in matching discerning
professionals over lunch or drinks.
www.lunchactually.com
6532 0010
ONE PLUS ONE
One Plus One equals you and me, so join an
expanding group of singles who are looking
for affordable and exciting events.
www.oneplusone.com.sg
9017 0885
SINGLES MINGLE
What’s the secret to finding true love?
Mingling, of course! So do just that with
Singles Mingle, which provides a list of
holistic events.
admin@singlesmingle.sg
6726 9856
VIVAONE
VivaOne offers a variety of events for busy
professionals to network and hopefully
meet that special someone.
www.vivaone.com.sg
8223 8895
DEALS
OUTTA HATHA YOGA
VALIDITY: 1 OCT–31 DEC 2015
WEBSITE: WWW.OUTTAHATHA.COM
FACEBOOK: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OUTTAHATHA
2 FOR THE PRICE OF 1
Outta Hatha Yoga is a series of pop-up
yoga sessions at Customs House Terrace. In
this oasis of calm on the edge of the CBD,
we’ll guide you to overcome stress, cultivate
deep self-awareness, and seek greater
balance in mind and body.
• 1 YOGA SESSION AT CUSTOMS HOUSE TERRACE FOR
2 FIRST-TIMERS AT THE PRICE OF 1 PERSON ($20)
• MON–THU EVENINGS; SAT MORNINGS
• COME IN WORKOUT ATTIRE; BRING OWN MAT
MYKONOS ON THE BAY
VALIDITY: 1 OCT–31 DEC 2015
ADDRESS: #01-10 QUAYSIDE ISLE, SENTOSA
10% OFF BILL (FOOD ONLY)
Greek chefs preparing classic Greek dishes
from scratch. Head to Mykonos on the
Bay to enjoy an authentic Greek dining
experience by the sea. Decked out with
imported blue and white furniture and décor,
this restaurant is located by the stunning
marina on Sentosa Cove.
•
•
•
•
VALID EVERY DAY, INCLUDING PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
FOR LUNCH & DINNER
DOES NOT APPLY TO DRINKS
CANNOT BE USED WITH OTHER PROMOTIONS
QUAYSIDE FISH BAR & BISTRO
VALIDITY: 1 OCT–31 DEC 2015
ADDRESS: #01-11 QUAYSIDE ISLE, SENTOSA
1-FOR-1 DESSERT
Quayside Fish Bar & Bistro features the
freshest cold-ocean fish and seafood. A
wide selection of wines, craft beers, bespoke
cocktails, premium liquor and seafood is also
available for retail. This waterfront venue
offers a wonderful, unique and unforgettable
dining experience.
• ORDER ANY DESSERT AND GET ANOTHER FOR FREE
• MINIMUM OF 2 PEOPLE, WHO MUST EACH ALSO ORDER A
NON-PROMOTIONAL MAIN COURSE
• VALID MON–THU, EXCLUDING PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
• CANNOT BE USED WITH OTHER PROMOTIONS
ARCH ANGEL
VALIDITY: 1 OCT–31 DEC 2015
WEBSITE: ARCHANGEL-SHOES.COM
FACEBOOK: FACEBOOK.COM/ARCHANGELSHOES
Arch Angel has stylish and comfortable
shoes that have removable insoles
replaceable with custom-made orthotics.
It also stocks a wide range of footcare
accessories, all carefully sourced from all over
the world by our footcare specialists.
$20 OFF BILL
• VALID FOR PARTICIPATING SHOE BRANDS, ONLY AT
PURVIS STREET AND WHEELOCK PLACE OUTLETS